A Couples Retreat on the Rocks

Oct 25, 2017

By: Chad Taylor & Jake Wilhelmsen

Drink in panoramic views of Southern Utah’s red rock scenery, as well as the complimentary cucumber water, at Red Mountain Resort.

Nowadays it seems like every lodging establishment has a “wellness program.” A hotel plops lemon slices in the lobby water jug or makes chocolate chip cookies out of almond flour and then advertises its “nutritious, organic gastronomic enhancements.” But what about rest? Relaxation? Healthy (but still tasty) dining options?

The folks at Red Mountain Resort near St. George, Utah, do wellness well by doing it simply. Even their name is simple. They’re a resort nestled in some red mountains. Bada-boom, bada-bing. And that’s how they approach their guests’ experience — by focusing on the basics. You eat, recreate, get pampered and sleep. Rinse and repeat. Simple.

Here are four ways Red Mountain Resort nails the essentials of a perfect couples getaway in Utah.

Sure the red rock is pretty to look at, but it’s even better when you get out and feel it, climb it, explore it. We won’t even judge you if you taste it. It has that effect on people. Hiking trails here are endless. Yoga at Red Mountain blows yoga in your basement away. Indoor and outdoor pools mean you can swim whenever you choose to visit. Fitness studios keep you invigorated, happy and relaxed. There’s also biking (road or mountain), canyoneering, horseback riding, rock climbing and more. Never a shortage of things to do. Or you can choose not to do anything at all. You can literally sit, stare at the red rock, and breathe in the sage and you’ll be better off for it.

Not sure much needs to be written here. Just swipe through the gallery, then pick up your jaw. Suffice it to say, whether you choose a deluxe room or a villa you’ll be happy. Who wouldn’t be with a bed that feels like a hundred gentle hands and bath amenities that make you smell like outside (outside smells divine around here), and views of mountains that look like petrified red clouds?

Lunch: Every day is a buffet, but not the kind you normally think of. Instead of a carving station of dry meat, two-day-old rolls and limp salad, imagine tomato basil soup, herb garlic grilled chicken, roasted primavera vegetable medley and coconut brown basmati rice.

Dinner: Estancia Grass Fed Beef New York Striploin. Served with baked potato or baked yam.

[*Author’s note: My wife doesn’t consume gluten or dairy because of a medical condition. She has been to Red Mountain Resort twice for a spa day, and the lunch buffet is hands down her favorite dining experience of all time. Even better than the spaghetti I make with gluten-free noodles, if you can believe that.]

Travel + Leisure has named Red Mountain Resort one of the world’s best destination spas. This isn’t some recent massage school graduate with a vinyl table and clumsy hands giving you a who-knows-what massage. The Sagestone Spa & Salon is a full-service, high-end little slice of heaven style. A robust menu of treatments in a relaxing venue.